A LOUIS XV BEAUVAIS TAPESTRY, AFTER A DESIGN FRANÇOIS BOUCHER, CIRCA 1755-1770 |

wool and silk, probably inspired by the serie La Noble Pastorale, topped with French royal coat of arms; (restorations)

Sold Christie's Paris, 29 April 2014, lot 142

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable minor restorations throughout. A very small tear on the background. The colours are slightly sunfaded as visible on the illustration. Ready to hang.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This tapestry exemplifies the taste for scenes galantes that largely dominated painting and the decorative arts in eighteenth-century France. Produced at the Beauvais Royal manufacture, it was probably inspired by the six-piece series called La Noble Pastorale also woven at Beauvais from 1755 and onwards. The cartoons were by the French painter François Boucher, whose countless images were a major contribution to the success of the manufacture: Boucher contributed to introduce a new decorative style into French tapestries, the Pastorales, which were ideal for use in the interior décor of palaces and castles.